Roman Empire, Diocletian, AE Follis

Roman Empire, Diocletian, 284 - 305, Treveri, AE Follis

Av. IMP DIOCLETIANVS P F AVG, armored bust with laurel wreath n. r. 
Rs. M SACRA AVGG ET CAESS NN / r. i. field * / BTR, Moneta standing with scales & cornucopiae n. l. 

Mint: Treveri / BTR

Historical

Diocletian was born in 244 in Solin, in present-day Croatia and died in 311 ibid. in Split. He was Roman emperor from 284 to 305. With his accession to the throne begins the Diocletian era.

Under Emperor Diocletian, the imperial crisis was finally overcome. He implemented numerous reforms and reorganized the empire. The distinctive feature of the new governance under Diocletian was the introduction of the system of the so-called tetrarchy, the rule of four. His assumption of power is also associated with the end of the Principate and the beginning of Late Antiquity.

When he was proclaimed emperor, he presided over the imperial bodyguard. He appointed Maximian as co-emperor in the western area, Constantius Chlorus (in the west) and Galerius (in the east) as sub-emperors. These were intended as successors.

This was to make the size of the empire more manageable. This succeeded well at first. It was now possible to secure the borders on several sides. Seizures of power by others became much more difficult. However, the later division of the huge empire is already indicated here.
Diocletian stabilized the empire through many reforms. The administration was streamlined by reducing the size of the provinces. This increased their number, but reduced the dangers from them because they could be better defended. They were also consolidated into twelve administrative units.

A new tax system was introduced, which brought greater revenue to the Empire. Citizens in Italy now also had to pay taxes. There was a maximum price regulation and coinage reforms. The army was enlarged, but the individual legions were reduced in size, and the cavalry was strengthened.

In 305 Diocletian resigned, probably also for health reasons. He was thus the first emperor to abdicate voluntarily.

Subsequently, there was again a struggle for rule. The principle of rule by four men could not prevail. He was succeeded by his sub-emperor Galerius, as planned, and Maximian also abdicated in the west, to be succeeded by Constantius Chlorus.